In the realm of the Irish pig trade, a growing concern has emerged regarding the introduction of a new purchasing system by Messrs Denny and Co. that involves buying pigs based on live weight. As an individual deeply connected to the pig trade and closely associated with Messrs Harns, I feel compelled to highlight several crucial aspects related to this development.
Traditionally, when a farmer brings his pigs to a fair, he encounters various buyers such as Lunham, Cork; O’Mara, Limerick; Matterson, Limerick; Buttle, Enniscorthy; Shaw, Limerick; and others. These buyers not only compete with each other but also face strong competition from shippers who, for the majority of the year, offer better prices than Irish curers.
This competitive environment has long ensured that the seller receives the highest possible price for their pigs in the open market. However, the introduction of the live-weight purchasing system threatens to disrupt this dynamic. Should this new method gain traction, it could spell the end for fairs and the towns in which they are held.
The potential consequence of such a shift would be detrimental. If healthy competition fades, Denny and Co. could monopolize the market on their terms. The contrast between selling pigs at a fair versus through live-weight scales exemplifies this concern. In a recent example, the price for pigs by live weight in Limerick was 565 shillings per cwt for bacon and 56 shillings per cwt for berwick. Yet, Denny’s live-weight price, where scales have been established, was equivalent to 625 shillings per cwt for bacon and 485 shillings per cwt for berwick.
This stark difference translates to a loss of 3 shillings per cwt on bacon pigs and 2 shillings per cwt on berwick pigs for those opting for the live-weight system. Given Denny’s significant processing volume of around 5,000 pigs weekly across four factories, the total loss to farmers, particularly those in Munster, could amount to thousands per week and hundreds of thousands per annum.
This predicament raises the question: If this trend continues, and the live-weight system gains further traction, how significant will the impact be? With the potential loss of fairs, a decay in small towns, and the challenges posed by the entry of Canadian stores into the equation, the outcome could be far more serious than anticipated.
It is not just the farming community that will be affected, but also shopkeepers in towns where fairs are held. If fairs are abandoned, these towns may experience decline. Thus, it becomes vital for Town Commissioners and other stakeholders to consider the long-term implications of adopting the live-weight system. By engaging all parties, including representatives from Lunham, O’Mara, Slattery, Shaw, Buttle, Matterson, and key shippers, a balanced solution can be sought that protects the interests of both farmers and communities.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Irish pig trade, it is imperative to deliberate not just on immediate gains but also on the sustainability and livelihoods of those involved. As we navigate this new path, careful consideration is needed to ensure the well-being of farmers, small towns, and the integrity of this vital industry.
Yours sincerely,
Cornelius Hogan
Thomas Street, Waterford
April 11
Free Press (Wexford) – Saturday 21 April 1906
